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The latest from around the rumor mill as you try not to burn yourself with sparklers…

Jed Hoyer was on MLBN Radio with Jim Bowden and Jeff Joyce to discuss all things Cubs, including trade rumor stuff. Neil at the CCO has a very thorough review of that radio appearance. Among the highlights, Jed seemed to work hard to suggest that the changes in the new CBA are going to do more to help sellers in this market than hurt them. The Cubs will work hard to acquire talent this month, including exploring three-team trades, if necessary. He said the Cubs have already spoken to every team, and have spoken to several teams multiple times.

Phil Rogers says today’s start by Matt Garza could be his last with the Cubs, given the number of teams interested in acquiring him (Rogers lists the Braves, Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, Royals and Tigers – I’m pretty sure you can add the Cardinals and possibly the Rangers). He doesn’t really say why that means Garza could be traded *this* week, but I suppose it’s possible. I think it’s more likely that the Cubs will wait out a desperate team closer to the deadline. But as soon as that over-the-top offer comes in, the Cubs will probably pull the trigger. Will it come?

Ken Rosenthal calls Matt Garza one of the three biggest prizes on the trade market this year (together with Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels), in the context of looking at a possible Cardinals move (in light of Chris Carpenter’s shoulder surgery).

Rosenthal adds that the Blue Jays may look to add a mediocre rotation arm (not Garza or Dempster, for example) in the near term before reassessing where they stand at the trade deadline.

Danny Knobler believes the Phillies could start selling soon, which, as I’ve said before, could dramatically impact the market for the Cubs’ pieces. Ryan Dempster looks a hell of a lot less attractive when your other rental option is Cole Hamels. Then again, the asking price on Hamels is going to be far, far higher than on Dempster. I’d like to think the price on Garza would be similar, though, given the extra year of control.

The Phillies’ GM keeps saying publicly that the team wants to keep and sign Hamels long-term … but what else is he going to say?

Speaking of Garza, the Yankees are interested, says Rosenthal. The price is indeed steep, but the Yankees like his history of success in the AL East and his contract (under control through 2013). The problem, from my perspective, continues to be the fact that the Yankees don’t have much in the way of ML-ready top prospects, since the sort-of fall by Manny Banuelos, and the big-time fall by Dellin Betances. The Yankees continue to say publicly that they prefer to handle their rotational injury issues internally.

Zack Greinke continues to garner tons of interest on the trade market, even by teams that aren’t sure they can lock him up long-term, including the Braves.

Bruce Levine chatted this week, and among the notable bits: (1) Bruce says the Dodgers are still interested in Ryan Demspter, but teams like the Yankees and Red Sox are probably going to join the fray as well; (2) the Tigers’ top talent evaluator, Bruce Tanner, was watching the Cubs last week; (3) there is a “minimal” chance that the Cubs don’t trade Matt Garza at this point – Bruce says: “Garza like any good pitcher gets frustrated with losing close games. After two years of no offensive support, I see a frustrated support. And a frustrated pitcher is not one you want around for a long period of time.” Hmm; (4) Geovany Soto is untradable until/unless he picks up his batting average (I know that sounds like a luddite-like point, but it’s actually right this time – his terrible average is dragging all of his production down); (5) if Carlos Marmol keeps pitching this well for another two weeks, the Cubs will have a good shot at being able to trade him; (6) Bruce doesn’t believe this front office is crazy about Darwin Barney as the long-term starter at second base given his low OBP, but they do get plenty of trade requests on him; (7) the Cubs have no compunction about trading with the Cardinals if they make the best offer; and (8) Paul Maholm is a trade candidate, given his cheap contract and the fact that he’s a lefty (parents: teach your kids to throw lefty).

Nick Castellanos. That is the 3b that should be the future of the Cubs. He is blocked with the Tigers, and they need starters. Get er done boys.

nkniacc13

i just don’t know if they can get him if he were offered at all before the year started I think the Cubs would have made the deal.

Jeff

I disagree with Castellanos, we need Mike Olt for third base. That’s a real stud with power, a Rizzo-like 3rd baseman, an OltOMG!!

nkniacc13

what would ou trade for Ott then

Jeff

That’s the hardest to figure out, what do we have that Texas would want??? There has to be something? Theo?? lol

DocPeterWimsey

Castellanos is not blocked at Detroit. Miggy is holding down 3rd until Nick arrives; at that time, Miggy goes to DH (or 1B if Prince gets moved to DH), and VMart will not be on the team anymore. The Tigers have said more than once both that Castellanos is untouchable and acquiring Prince (and thus moving Miggy to 3rd) did not alter their plans for Castelanos.

nkniacc13

Yeah I don’t see the Tigers trading castellanos or their top SS prospect for anything

Jeff

What we need from Detroit is Justin Turner and Casey Crosby for Garza!!

EvenBetterNewsV2.0

Run for cover!!! Nobody here likes Turner!

Jeff

He’s a top 10 and he’s still better than what we have and he’s young, why don’t you like him?

Jeff

And while we are at it, how about sending Dempster and Russell to Arizona for Archie Bradley and David Holmberg??? Wishful thinking huh? Then we can start rebuilding the pitching!

RoughRiider

They might go for it if it was Garza & Barney. I’d rather see Skaggs, Holmberg and Marshall in return.

Robert

Will be at tonight’s game, sitting in left center bleachers, and will be holding a HUGE cubs banner! go cubbies!

TakingWrigleyToSaoPaulo

Given Detroits need for 2nd base and pitching I wouldn’t mind a Barney and garza for turner and costellanos.

Diesel

Actually you should teach your kids to throw both right and left handed. Then you will be worth even more.

Carew

Carlos Lee to Marlins…just thought i’d throw that out there…

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Which is probably good – the Marlins were never really connected to the Cubs in rumors.

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